We Three Kings
Christmas Hits Lyrics


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We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts, we traverse far
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star

Oh, star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light

Born a king on Bethlehem's plain
Gold I bring to crown him again
King forever, ceasing never
Over us all to reign

Oh, star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light

Frankincense to offer have I
Incense owns a deity nigh
Prayer and praising, all men raising
Worship Him, God most high

Oh, star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom
Sorrow, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb

Oh, star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light

Glorious now, behold Him arise
King and God and sacrifice
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Earth to the Heavens replies

Oh, star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light




Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light

Overall Meaning

"We Three Kings of Orient Are" is a traditional Christmas carol that tells the story of the three wise men, or Magi, who traveled from the East to visit the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. The song begins by introducing the three kings and their mission to bring gifts to the newborn king. They diligently follow a star that leads them through various landscapes, including fields, fountains, moors, and mountains.


The chorus refers to the star as a symbol of wonder and beauty, guiding the wise men on their journey. It signifies a celestial light that illuminates the way for these magi and serves as a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment or divine guidance. The chorus also establishes a sense of anticipation and an unwavering determination in the wise men to find the perfect light represented by the star.


Each verse of the song then presents the gifts brought by each of the three kings. The first king brings gold, a precious metal traditionally associated with kingship and wealth. This gift symbolizes the highest honor and recognition of Jesus' royal status. The second king presents frankincense, a valuable and fragrant resin often burned as incense in religious rituals. This gift suggests acknowledging Jesus' divine nature and offering prayers and praises to him as if he were a deity. The third king's offering is myrrh, an aromatic resin used in burial rituals. This gift foreshadows Jesus' future suffering and death.


The final verse describes the glory of Jesus, the newborn king, as he rises to fulfill his destiny as the both the King and God. The word "Hallelujah" signifies a joyful exclamation, and the song concludes with the affirmation that both Earth and Heaven respond to the arrival of this extraordinary event.


Overall, "We Three Kings of Orient Are" invites listeners to reflect on the journey of the wise men and their adoration for the baby Jesus, emphasizing the significance of his birth and the profound impact he would have on the world.


Line by Line Meaning

We three kings of Orient are
We, the three kings from the East, have come


Bearing gifts, we traverse far
Carrying gifts, we travel a great distance


Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Through fields, fountains, moors, and mountains


Following yonder star
Chasing that shining star


Oh, star of wonder, star of night
Oh, marvelous star, shining brightly at night


Star with royal beauty bright
A star with majestic and radiant beauty


Westward leading, still proceeding
Showing the way towards the west, continuously moving forward


Guide us to thy perfect light
Lead us to your flawless light


Born a king on Bethlehem's plain
Born as a king in the humble plains of Bethlehem


Gold I bring to crown him again
I present gold to honor and crown him once more


King forever, ceasing never
An eternal king, ruling without end


Over us all to reign
To rule over all of us


Frankincense to offer have I
I have frankincense to offer


Incense owns a deity nigh
Incense belongs to a nearby god


Prayer and praising, all men raising
Praying and praising, uplifting all people


Worship Him, God most high
Worship Him, the highest God


Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
I possess myrrh, with its bitter fragrance


Breathes a life of gathering gloom
Brings forth an atmosphere of sadness and gloom


Sorrow, sighing, bleeding, dying
Sorrow, sighs, bleeding, and death


Sealed in the stone-cold tomb
Enclosed within the cold and lifeless tomb


Glorious now, behold Him arise
Now, see Him rise in all His glory


King and God and sacrifice
A king, a god, and a sacrifice


Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah


Earth to the Heavens replies
Earth responds to the Heavens


Westward leading, still proceeding
Guiding westward, continuing to move forward


Guide us to thy perfect light
Lead us to your flawless light




Lyrics © Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN)
Written by: John Henry Hopkins

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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